The 1996 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Valle d'Oro could easily be mistaken for a Valpolicella. It possess earthy, spicy, dried almond-like flavors, medium body, crisp freshness, and a certain softness. Drink this pleasant wine over the next 1-2 years. As I have pointed out for a number of years, top-class bargains can be found in Abruzzi, a region situated in the southern Italy, along the Adriatic coast. The wines produced are named after the grape of the same name - Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Cantina Tollo's wines are pleasant, well-made, clean offerings that represent bargains given today's super-high wine prices. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620